This Friday, Universal Studios Hollywood is set to open its latest state-of-the-art attraction, “Transformers: The Ride-3D.” Based on Michael Bay’s blockbuster trilogy, the ride combines 3D footage with animatronic characters and one of the most elaborate flight simulation systems every created.

“’Transformers: The Ride—3D” will envelop the audience and make them feel like they’re in it, that they’re in the midst of these robots,” says Bay, who served as a creative consultant for the attraction.“It’s quite an exciting experience. I wish we could do this with movies.”

SuperHeroHype had the opportunity to visit Universal Studios during the ride’s technical rehearsals and caught an early look at what fans can expect from the robots in disguise.

Much like the immersive “Harry Potter” ride at the park’s Orlando-based counterpart, “Transformers” is packed with as much pre-ride entertainment as possible, recruiting audience members as N.E.S.T. (Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty) operatives, working alongside Optimus Prime against the deadly threat of a Decepticon invasion. The mission (as crowds are informed over video monitors) is to protect the last All-Spark shard.

The ride begins in earnest with the appearance of the Autobot EVAC, who first appeared in the “Cyberton” cartoon series and who, despite having a toy made for the 2007 film line, has never appeared in live-action until now. EVAC serves as the vehicle at the core of the ride, protecting the audience from the invading Decepticons and transporting them out of the N.E.S.T. facility along 2,000 feet of ride track at perceived speeds of 60mph.

Designed by Industrial Light & Magic, the ride features full 360-degree rotation, synchronized to 3D-HD media playing on 14 different screens and converted through “protective battle eyewear” (read: 3D glasses).

Once the ride opens in full this Friday, be on the lookout for a number of familiar “Transformers” faces. Both Autobots and Decepticons are represented at various points in the adventure, including Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee and a dozen more, all featuring the characters’ original voice talents.

If you haven’t already seen it, click here to check out a featurette on the making of the ride. You can also click on the image below to check out our full behind-the-scenes gallery: